Santa Barbara Independent Schools of Thought

SCHOOLS

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of THOUGHT

THE SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT ’S ANNUAL EDUCATION GUIDE

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of THOUGHT The Santa Barbara Independent ’s Annual Education Guide

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hile the struggle to educate our children throughout a pandemic has certainly been real, the storied and widely varied institutions and learning programs here in Santa Barbara have proved that they can adjust, pivot, and adapt.

Teachers are learning to teach differently, parents are learning a lot about their kids, and students are learning other ways to show up — some prefer a traditional classroom, others thrive remotely, and a growing number have found their niche in homeschooling and other paths of indepen-

dent study. The formation of these silver linings has grown from the impacted classrooms, the figure-it-out-as-we-go Zoom rooms, and the ongoing dedication of our educators, now back on busy campuses as COVID-19 case numbers settle.

As with any upgrades in educational philosophy and approach, this year showcases lots of new thought. It also relies on time-tested approaches that simply needed a bit of adjustment to carry students and teachers through another challenging year.

by KEITH HAMM

This special section asked the issue’s sponsors about trends, topics, and signature educational programs, from which editorial content was produced independently.

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ure, kids are cute and fun and can perhaps even lend great meaning to our flicker of existence aboard this beautiful blue dust ball hurling through empty space.

But you know what else? Parenting is tough. Got teens?

Even tougher. Pile on the day-to-day stressors common among most modern earthlings, and your connection to your kids can come apart faster still.

Social and Emotional Intelligence for Teens — and Their Parents

Fortunately, there’s AHA!, which for years has been helping teens — and their folks — be better versions of themselves. On the grown-up front, the nonprofit’s team of social-emotional educators, parent coaches, and therapists is providing extensive parent education and support this year — from stand-alone groups to multi-class series, all with Spanish interpretation.

For more info, we caught up with Melissa Lowenstein, AHA!’s director of programs.

Describe parent stress. In general, parents are overscheduled and feel they don’t have enough time or energy to devote to parenting. Our culture celebrates overdoing, overachieving, and busyness, and many parents never feel like they are doing enough. We’re seeing exhaustion and overwhelm.

Rates of anxiety and depression in young people have skyrocketed in response to the pandemic, and parents are unsure about how to help. Parents of teens are especially impacted because the natural arc of teen development can make it more challenging for parents to relate honestly and deeply with their child.

How does parent stress impact student success? It can be difficult for under-resourced parents to make time or learn strategies for supporting their child. An under-resourced adult who isn’t acting as a role model for living an emotionally and relationally healthy life can’t effectively resource a child who is struggling. Children pick up on parental stress, and it adds to their own burden, which can mean difficulty with school or other areas of life.

When parents can better manage their stress, how does that help children? Children are exquisitely sensitive to parental stress. When it goes unacknowledged and unmanaged, it often comes out as short-temperedness, inconsistency with boundaries, or distancing between the person suffering in silence and the others in their family. A parent who learns ways to manage when things are hard and uses those tools where their children can witness them is a fantastic role model. When children see an important adult in their lives facing adversity and doing what’s needed to right themselves, they learn how to do the same. Even if they’re never taught explicitly, they absorb it and model it right back.

What subjects are tackled in parent classes? The five-class series at Carpinteria Unified School District (on Zoom) and Goleta Valley Junior High (at the campus in spring, with dinner and childcare) looks at parenting in the context of developing key aspects of social-emotional intelligence. [We cover] self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making, all [of which are] foundational to good parenting. No quick trick or standalone parenting strategy can replace parents taking

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MANAGING STRESS FOR ALL AGES WITH AHA!

time to self-examine and work on their own relational and emotional competency.

The greatest thing about this series is that the skills and knowledge parents gain are incredibly useful in all relationships: partnerships, relationships at work, friendships, and other family relationships. Social-emotional learning training is much desired by employers these days, so we will offer those who complete the five classes a certificate of completion to share with current or prospective employers.

You’ve been at this for a while, right? We have offered parent groups consistently since our beginnings in 1999. For most of that time, we offered these groups only to parents of teens in AHA! after-school, summer, and Peace Builder programs.

In response to demand from schools who wished to offer more support to their parents, we developed the five-class series for this school year. Groups are always offered by donation.

Best way to sign up? Reach out to Joy Elizondo at joy.ahasb@ gmail.com or call the office.

1209 De la Vina St., Ste. A; (805) 770-7200; ahasb.org

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Photo: Nell Campbell

The SBCC Promise The SBCC Promise, which is funded entirely by private donations, has provided more than 5,000 local high school graduates with the opportunity to pursue their dreams at Santa Barbara City College. All required fees, books, and supplies are covered for two years.

The SBCC Foundation fuels the excellence of Santa Barbara City College by engaging the community, building relationships, and inviting the generosity of donors.

The resources raised and managed by the Foundation enrich college programs, remove barriers, and empower students to succeed.

Your gift makes it possible. sbccfoundation.org 4 Promotional Content | Schools of Thought 2021 | Santa Barbara Independent

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Upper elementary teacher Peggi Robinson goes over the Four Cs with her students.

THE MONTESSORI CENTER SCHOOL’S FOUR CS

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efore she became the head of Montessori Center School five years ago, Melanie Jacobs had more than 20 years of experience on-site, starting as a part-time assistant teacher right after college and moving up to earn her elementary and administrative credentials.

A Century-Plus of Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Creativity, and Communication

For more than 100 years, Montessori education has been integrating what its educators call “The Four Cs” (collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and communication) into early childhood and elementary education. Here, Jacobs explains what they mean.

COLLABORATION: “The ability to collaborate with others is a crucial skill for young people today,” Jacobs explained. “To work in collaboration with others means that you can listen to other perspectives and cohesively share your thoughts. It also means that you can work within a team, utilizing the strengths of those around you to meet goals and expectations.”

Montessori groups children in three-year age groupings: ages 3-6 (transitional K-K); ages 6-9 (1st3rd); and ages 9-12 (4th-6th). “This allows students to

act as leaders, serving as role models to the younger students academically and socially.”

CRITICAL THINKING: “At its simplest,” Jacobs said, “critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally about the world around us by taking in information, analyzing it, and making decisions based on that information. To foster this in young children, it is necessary to allow them to be as independent as possible.

Our Montessori environments are designed to allow as much independence as possible at every stage of development. Our teachers are trained to observe and give students time and space to think things through by not intervening too soon.

“As they grow and develop, they are guided in the scientific method, conducting experiments, creating hypotheses, and making judgments based on their observations. Montessori lessons are famous for their concrete representations of academic concepts, giving students a very clear idea of the why and how behind each idea.”

CREATIVITY: “Montessori students are great at thinking out of the box, exploring various ways to solve problems creatively,” Jacobs continued. “Within each classroom, our students are urged to participate in discussions that explore their creativity and the sharing of ideas. Students are encouraged to keep an open mind and respect the ideas of their peers and teachers. After receiving a lesson, students are often given freedom in how they would like to do their follow-up work, such as making a book, chart,

or oral presentation. Artwork is often incorporated into their daily work to promote self-expression. We also have specialist teachers in art, music, Spanish, physical education, library, computer, and drama to help develop students’ creativity.”

COMMUNICATION: “Communication is truly the key to a successful educational experience, and it is at the heart of the Montessori philosophy. From a young age, we encourage our students to express themselves clearly and respectfully. Many of our classrooms create agreements [that] impart the needs of the students and teachers. These agreements are made collaboratively with active participation from the students. These agreements are then signed, posted, and referred to all year as a reminder of all of the expectations in the classroom.

“Our students are also given opportunities at an early age to speak to a group. In our preschool rooms, examples of this would be sharing an interesting item [or] presenting a piece of work they completed. In our elementary classrooms, students recite poems, give oral presentations on historical figures, present year-long projects, and participate in drama and music productions. The older students in all of our classrooms act as leaders and role models. All of these experiences help to build confidence and communication skills, preparing them for middle school and beyond.”

401 N. Fairview Ave., Goleta; (805) 683-9383; mcssb.org

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s the story goes, about 100 years ago, Pasadena residents William and Kitty Crane awoke one morning to discover they’d literally shared a dream to start a school in Santa Barbara. At the time, William was an English professor at Caltech, and Kitty was big on music and performing arts. In 1928, they helped cofound Crane Country Day School on 11 acres in Montecito.

From the get-go, they focused on delivering an experiential education to their young Where Experiential students, with Learning Emphasizes Kitty emphasizing that every Public Speaking child would be in a musical or play every year. Today, the founders’ time-tested legacy carries on, and the theme of hands-on, experiential learning has expanded.

“Public speaking is woven into the curriculum at every grade level,” explained Kristen Peralta, the K-8 independent school’s director of marketing and communications.

Just last month, for example, the kindergarteners were reciting memorized poems and reading stories to gathered parents. In 1st grade, students asked their parents, “What kind of bird am I?” as they fielded questions and described the appearances, habitats, and food preferences of the feathered fauna they’d been studying. Meanwhile, 5th graders were dressing up and acting out the contribu-

tions of their favorite American historical figures.

Every year in 8th grade — with supportive coaching that helps the kids find their own voices — the final public-speaking piece is a lengthy, heavily attended presentation on topics handpicked by each student, this year ranging from ant ecology to mental-health issues in sports. During the pandemic last year, they learned how to adapt their speeches and slides to online only, using Google Meet and fielding questions remotely via the application’s chat feature.

The life skills also extend to the Crane kids in the audience watching their fellow students speak or perform. As an audience member, one learns respect, social skills, and critical thinking, Peralta pointed out.

Based on feedback over the years — and as a Crane alum herself—Peralta said that the school’s public-speaking practices “really help set them up for high school and beyond.” She also credits Crane’s steady run of plays and musicals in promoting student confidence and strengthening character. “In a fun way, they are getting more comfortable in front of an audience,” she said.

1795 San Leandro Ln., Montecito; (805) 969-7732; craneschool.org

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FOUNDING PRINCIPLES THRIVE AT CRANE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

At top, 1st-grade teachers Courtney Fleming (in pink sweater) and Megan Flannery (with green paper) enjoy their student’s speech. Above, an 8th-grade student practices her public speaking skills at a podium.

new elementary program

opening fall 2022 GUIDING CHILDREN 3 MONTHS TO 6TH GRADE

apply now for fall 2022!

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www.southcoastmontessori.org

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anta Barbara City College’s groundbreaking SBCC Promise is bouncing back after a 35 percent enrollment drop since the early days of the pandemic.

With the slow return to some semblance of normalcy, students are revisiting the promise of a debt-free education at one of the finest community colleges in the nation.

SBCC Foundation Ensures Regional Students Return to School Across the country, college promises have taken on a range of student support, with offerings of a semester or a year of tuition-free learning. SBCC, on the other hand, goes bigger. “What we are doing here is leading nationally, absolutely top of the heap,” said Geoff Green, CEO of the SBCC Foundation, which launched the program in 2016 with funding from the private sector. As students return and numbers stabilize, Green would like to tackle a few items on his wish list: offer the SBCC Promise to all local prospects no matter when they graduated high school; extend the program to part-time students; and help cover childcare for Promise parents.

For more details, I asked SBCC Promise Manager Sergio Lagunas.

What’s the Promise offer? The SBCC Promise supports students who complete high school (or equivalent programs)

within the school’s district [from Gaviota to Rincon]. Students must enroll during their first or second semester following high school completion. The Promise covers all required registration fees (tuition), student fees, textbooks, and course materials for two academic years, including summer terms. Participating students must enroll fulltime, apply for financial aid, and meet with an academic counselor to maintain eligibility.

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COLLEGE IS COVERED AT SBCC

The average SBCC Promise student saves about $900 each semester for two academic years.

We recognize every student is unique, and each student has individual educational and career goals. In fact, about 40 percent of SBCC Promise students are enrolled in a Career Technical Education program, such as Cosmetology, Real Estate, and Culinary Arts. Most students participate in the SBCC Promise during the two years of eligibility; however, there are students who complete their educational goals sooner due to completing courses through the dual enrollment program while attending high school.

Who’s eligible? Eligible students are local graduates from a public, private, or alternative high school, including homeschool, court school, or online school in the What are some recent challenges? Many district. They are also new college Paola Melchor is a recent graduate of the SBCC students have faced challenges involvstudents who graduate from high Promise program. ing online education, family responsischool or equivalent programs, bilities, and illness since March 2020 including Adult High School, GED completion, or have that have led students to drop courses or withdraw compassed the California High School Proficiency Exam in pletely for a semester or an entire year. We understand that the district. SBCC Promise [covers] AB 540 and undocu- the pandemic has caused many students to postpone their education, and we welcome any eligible returning students mented students who meet all eligibility requirements. to continue.

How’s it going? Since fall 2016, we have helped 5,770 students by covering their required tuition and student fees, 721 Cliff Dr.; (805) 965-0581; sbcc.edu; (805) 730-4416; all required textbooks, and all required course materials. sbccfoundation.org

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AH a!

TM

Healthy Attitudes, Emotional Harmony, and Lifelong Achievement for Teens

AHA! is an educational non-profit that has brought social-emotional learning and community building to over 60,000 students, educators, and families in Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, and Goleta since 1999.

Out-Of-School Groups

Summer Programs

AHA! Peace Builders In-School

Educator Trainings

Parent Groups

Interested in getting involved? Start by visiting our website: www.ahasb.org

EMPATHY

RESILIENCE

MINDFULNESS

AWARENESS

CONNECTION

INQUIRE TODAY

FALL 2022 • GRADES K–8 1795 San Leandro Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93108 • (805) 969-7732 • craneschool.org 8 Promotional Content | Schools of Thought 2021 | Santa Barbara Independent

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A love-based education that honors the whole child.

Students keep their schoolwork in school at South Coast Montessori.

HATING HOMEWORK AT SOUTH COAST MONTESSORI

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ith an emphasis on personalized learning for each child, South Coast Montessori will expand its elementary program starting in fall 2022. Until then, parents — and their kids — can continue to expect oneon-one and small-group instructional settings, along with equal importance placed on emotional learning as academic excellence.

To a parent, that all sounds great. But there’s something else, too. Many parents

door time each day. In our Montessori classrooms, we have seamless indoor/outdoor activities. [They can be] done inside, or the children have the option to work outside in fresh air. “ 3) It takes away from family time. “Children should be spending time out of school with their family and friends and be involved in daily aspects of family life. Grocery shopping, running errands, reading books, drawing, cooking, laughing. School requires a certain behavior and expectation, and they spend lots of time joyfully Five Reasons Why learning different subjects and most importantly developing a Taking School Work Home love for learning. Reading books Is Terrible for Children every night is the only assignment I give as a teacher, and it’s can attest to weighty homework loads with the intention to develop a love for cutting into a kid’s home life and after- reading. Homework does not support school sports and free time. parenting; [it’s asking] parents to teach At South Coast Montessori, they concepts that should be being taught at understand. For details, we called on school by a trained teacher. There is so Mishelle Ordosgoitia, the school’s lead much parents can do to teach other very elementary guide, to walk us through important life skills that have nothing to five reasons why homework is terrible do with academics”. for children.

4) Homework limits time to pursue interests 1) It’s stressful! “Children are in school outside academics. “As parents, one of our almost all day,” Ordosgoitia explains. most important jobs is to be observant “Academics should be happening in and support our children’s passions and school, and children need to be allowed interests. What makes their eyes sparkle to have a balanced life with lots of activi- with curiosity? Is it horseback riding, ties or down time outside of school. dancing, jujitsu, art, studying a second Research has shown there is no real bene- language, baseball, or soccer? The list fit in assigning homework. So much more goes on. Find what your child loves and learning could be happening—learning is moved by and unconditionally support how to be a good human being, a good them in their endeavors.” brother, a good friend, [plus] age-appro- 5) It negatively impacts free time. “I strongly priate expectations and responsibilities encourage parents to purposefully schedat home, [such as] setting up the table, ule free time. Time where there are no baking, anything that brings joy to your set commitments or anything that absochildren and also allows them to feel like lutely needs to happen. In this time in a contributing and essential member of society, it is so easy to get caught up in the the family. ‘busy’ world and drag our children with 2) Homework has a negative impact on us. Children need downtime and time to outdoor activities. “Children should be be bored so creativity can spark.” spending as much time as possible outIn closing, Ordosgoitia reminds us: doors. Going for a walk, riding a scooter, “They are only children once. Children going to the park or beach. We live in a need to be children, not little adults.” region that allows us to spend most of our year enjoying the outdoors. Children 7421 Mirano Dr., Goleta; (805) 845-6555; should have at least three hours of out- southcoastmontessori.org

Early Childhood through Eighth Grade.

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FIND YOUR STRENGTH, MAKE YOUR MARK #DiscoverBishopDiego

Virtual Parent Information Night

Cardinal in Training Prospective students are invited to join us at our boys’ varsity basketball game!

Thursday December 2nd, 5:30 p.m.

As one option of the TRIAD program, Providence students learn wilderness skills while on extended backpacking trips.

A TRIAD of Learning at Providence School

Thursday December 9th, 7 p.m.

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Learn more and RSVP for all events on our website.

or years, Providence School’s popular “Beyond the Classroom” program has connected students of all grade levels (preschool-12) to tours, retreats, and adventures that blend academics with real-world experience, from historical trips through California and

Contact us for additional information regarding our Personalized Tuition Model. We work closely with families to ensure that a Bishop education is affordable for those at all income levels.

4000 La Colina Road • 805-967-1266 • www.bishopdiego.org

Summer Math Academy 2021

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Gateway Educational Services • PO Box 6333, Santa Barbara, CA 93160 • (805) 895-1153 info@gatewayeducationalservices.org • www.gatewayeducationalservices.org

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Elementary School Math & Pre-Algebra for Juniors

This program is designed for 1:1 support and tutoring. Tracking weekly homework assignments, prep for exams and finals. Study skills development, learning to take math notes and how to study for math exams. All students begin with a placement exam.

Integrated Math I & II, Algebra I & II, Geometry & Pre-Calculus This program is designed for 1:1 support and tutoring. Tracking weekly homework assignments, prep for exams and finals. Study skills development, learning to take math notes and how to study for math exams. All students begin with a placement exam.

Individual programs for your students’ needs

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and a half hours of focused study each morning, followed by another session of equal length in the afternoon.

The second option focuses on outdoor adventure, covering, for example, a full week of planning, training, bike maintenance, and camping skills, followed by another week of hiking and biking in Zion, Arches, Upper School Students and Bryce Canyon national parks. Along the way, the Take Advantage of Two-Week students will be reading Intensive Program about nature and creation in poetry and — because Providence is a Christian Washington, D.C., to gardening and school — scripture. whitewater rafting.

“It’s the experiences that stick with This year, for its 9th to 12th grad- the students,” said Scott Mitchell, the ers, Providence added TRIAD (Travel, outdoor education director. “The honResearch, Investigate, Apprentice, est campfire conversations, the moment Discover), a two-week intensive study they overcome a long-held fear to the program that encourages students to cheer of their classmates, and unplugpractice their passions in-depth and to ging from the world and taking in the home in on their interests and aptitudes. sights, smells, and feelings all help bring “It’s an idea we’ve been batting fullness to their educational experience.” around for about four years,” said Rod The third option combines the Meadth, principal of the middle and college-level study format with an upper schools. “Indirectly because of internship, during which students the pandemic, we realized how quickly follow a course of study in the mornwe can pivot. And we were in the mood ing before signing in for an afternoon to change things up, to come out of 2020 interning with an organization in the with some initiative.” community.

“Providence School rests solidly upon In addition to hiking and biking, the the creativity and enthusiasm of our TRIAD course offerings run a range of teachers and students,” he added. “We interests, from photography, moviemaklearned a lot during COVID about how ing, printmaking, and cooking to sketch resourceful and adaptable our teachers comedy, theatrical costuming, rocket buildand students are. As an independent ing, and mock trial, among other options, school, we have broad freedom to craft all of them taught by Providence teachers. programs and classes that we believe “We are very consciously showcasing are worth pursuing — not because any our teachers,” Meadth said. “They are all external entity requires it of us. TRIAD such interesting people with so much gives us a chance to engage students and to offer. TRIAD really leans on their showcase the talent of our community in creativity.” unexpected ways.”

To that end, TRIAD unfolds for two Preschool and Lower School (PS-6): 3225 Calle weeks in May, with three options. The Pinon; (805) 962-3091; Middle and Upper first option has students tackling a sub- Schools (7-12): 630 E. Canon Perdido St.; ject in a college-level format, with two (805) 962-4400; providencesb.org

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Staci Richard (center) is the head of Laguna Blanca’s Science Research Program.

Staci Richard (center) is the head of Laguna Blanca’s Science Research Program.

Two-Year Deep Dives at Laguna Blanca

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aguna Blanca has long been known for signature programs. With titles such as Mission to Mars, Soapbox Derby, Urban Adventures, and its TEDx talks — returning in February after last year’s pandemic pause — the independent school embraces project-based learning.

A recent addition, launched in 201718, is the Science Research Program, a

At year’s end, it’s fashioned into a comprehensive report and final presentation before an audience of peers, parents, mentors, teachers, and Laguna Blanca boardmembers. These presentations are essentially 15-minute “conference talks,” says Richard, and include visuals, questions from the audience, and a recap of the student’s two-year STEM journey.

All of it is buoyed by Laguna’s recently opened Center for Science and Innovation, anchored by Science Research new biology and chemistry laboratories and the built-out Program Is Latest Track for Nakamura STEM Research & Innovation Lab, an interdisMotivated Students ciplinary maker space for 3D design and robotics. “That’s an two-year course of study for motivated important piece of the program,” Richstudents to pursue an invigorating and ard said.

“It can be hard to ask kids to do real “deeply edifying odyssey into the weeds of scientific inquiry,” said Tara Brouc- research,” she reflected. “It’s a long proqsault, the school’s communications cess, and they see how hard it can be. director.

Sometimes it feels to me that they’re Heading up the program, Staci Rich- doing undergraduate research. And as ard said it’s grown considerably since these students are going off to college, its initial cohort to a little more than 40 we’re seeing that they’re more confident meeting and talking with professors and percent of eligible students.

The Science Research Program starts getting access to research laboratories.”

That’s a big plus, she says. But the in 10th grade by growing each student’s understanding of the STEM (science, flip side can be good, too. “Some stutechnology, engineering, and math) dents learn along the way that what field and teaching them how to read they thought would be interesting really research papers and exposing them to a doesn’t interest them. And that’s been range of speakers and discussion groups another great outcome.” to help channel their enthusiasm.

Either way, she added, their eyes have In 11th, the students select an been opened to a much broader range of emphasis — examples include solar STEM careers than they would normally energy, aquaculture, robotics, AI, and see in high school. “And it’s been a great Alzheimer’s research, among other pur- way for the kids at Laguna Blanca to suits — for a full-year dive that’s guided take advantage of the great things hapby mentors, most of whom are based pening in Santa Barbara,” said Richard. in Santa Barbara. (Last year, via Zoom, “They’re connecting with doctors and the program pioneered remote mentor- tech people and nonprofits. It’s been a ships, some with out-of-state experts, way to build community.”

Richard said.)

This second year consists of a thor- 4125 Paloma Dr.; (805) 687-2461; ough examination of one specific area. lagunablanca.org

Join us for an interactive discussion and Q&A with our Head of School, Melanie Jacobs and Director of Admissions, Alyssa Morris. Learn more about our academic program and why the Montessori Method might be a good fit for your child.

VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE Thursday, November 18 | 4 pm

RSVP: a.morris@mcssb.org (805) 683-9383 | WWW. MCSSB.ORG

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8:15AM MORNING ELECTIVE

9:15AM ACADEMICS

Time to Connect VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE DECEMBER 4, 3:00 PM

We invite you to join us and learn about our SBMS community.

Please RSVP with mandy@sbms.org to attend.

An Independent School, Grades 6-9.

Applications due February 4, 2022.

3:00PM SPORTS

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1321 Alameda Padre Serra, SB 93103 805-682-2989 | www.sbms.org | Financial Aid Available